The Gift that Keeps on Giving
A Christmas ham is not only a showstopper on the dining table, but also a gift that keeps giving, with endless ways to enjoy it long after Christmas Day.
Here’s a guide to getting the best from your ham, from storage tips to creative ideas for using every delicious slice throughout the Summer.
Keeping Your Ham Fresh
To make the most of your ham, proper storage is key. After your Christmas feast, wrap your ham in a clean, damp ham bag or tea towel, lightly soaked in water and a splash of vinegar. This will keep it moist and help prevent it from drying out. Store it in the fridge, and refresh the wrap every couple of days to ensure the ham stays fresh and ready to eat.
TIP: If you don’t think you’ll get through it all in a week or two, slice off portions and freeze them for later. When tightly wrapped, ham can last in the freezer for up to three months, so you can enjoy a taste of Christmas down the track.
Transform Your Leftovers
A Christmas ham can do double duty long after the big day! Here are some tasty ways to turn those slices into summer-friendly meals:
- Leftover Ham, Cheese and Onion Quiche – With a combined prep and cook time of an hour - this recipe will transform your ham into another delicious meal - great for lunch or a light dinner.
- Ham and Asparagus Puff Pastrys - These little morsels won't last for long. A fun and tasty way to re-use all that leftover ham.
- Ham and Summer Salad: Pair thin slices of ham with a fresh salad of greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. Top with a sprinkle of feta and a drizzle of vinaigrette for a light, easy lunch.
- Ham and Pineapple Kebabs: For something light and fun, skewer cubes of ham with chunks of pineapple, red onion, and capsicum, then brush with a sweet glaze. These ham kebabs are perfect for throwing on the BBQ and add a summery twist to your leftovers.
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BBQ Ham Pizza: For an easy dinner, use ham as a topping on homemade or store-bought pizza bases. Add pineapple, mozzarella, and a few herbs, then cook on the BBQ or in the oven for a crisp, golden finish.
Get Creative with Freezer-Friendly Options
Ham can be frozen in slices or chunks to pull out when you need a quick protein fix. Use it later in pastas, quiches, or even a ham and cheese toastie for a comforting bite. Having your ham pre-sliced and portioned in the freezer is also ideal for those busy summer days when you want a quick, tasty meal with no hassle.
With these tips, you’ll get the most out of your Christmas ham, from a show-stopping centrepiece to easy, family-friendly meals. Take advantage of the versatility of this meat and make it a staple of your summer cooking, whether you’re adding it to salads, packing it into a picnic or re-using it in a quiche or on pizza.
With some creative ideas and a little planning, you can enjoy this festive favourite in new ways all summer long.
